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Ask Shahnaz

Beautician Shahnaz Hussain offers tips and answers queries. You can send your queries to shahnaz_press@yahoo.co.in

My problem is hair loss. One year ago, I straightened my hair and now the new growth is curly. Tell me how to maintain my hair. — Sapna

The new hair will be curly, because the straightening process was done on the hair that was visible and not on the hair that was yet to grow, which is located beneath the scalp. Straightening can cause hair damage and lead to hair loss. Take regular care, using a mild herbal shampoo and hot oil therapy. Once or twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply it on the hair and the scalp without any massage. Leave it on overnight and wash the hair the next day. Use a conditioner after shampooing. Take very little and massage it lightly into the hair. Leave it on for two minutes and rinse it off with water. You can also straighten the hair with a hand-held hair dryer at home, holding the curly hair straight with a comb. The dryer should be held at least six inches away to minimise damage to hair. Diet is important. Have a small bowl of sprouts daily and ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements.

I have dark circles. Please suggest a home remedy. — Asma

Dark circles may be due to hereditary factors, nutritional deficiencies, stress, inadequate sleep or sun-sensitivity. So, along with external care, you should check these aspects. As a home remedy, apply pure almond oil sparingly around the eyes and massage it lightly on the skin using the ring finger for one minute under each eye. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wipe it off gently with moist cotton wool. You can also mix cucumber juice and tomato juice in equal quantities. Apply it around the eyes and wash it off after 20 minutes. Before going out in the sun, apply a sunscreen lotion sparingly under the eyes. Add a drop of water to it before applying to give a lighter coverage. Ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements and do deep breathing exercises daily.

My complexion was good earlier, but now it has become dull. I think this is because I work for at least 11 hours a day. — Shikha

Healthy skin needs a nutritious diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and relaxation. Follow an external beauty care routine that suits your skin type. Use a facial scrub twice a week. A facemask would also help. You can mix two teaspoons of choker (wheat bran) with one teaspoon each of besan, curd, honey and egg white or orange juice. Apply it twice a week and wash it off after 20 minutes. After consulting your doctor, take some daily exercise. A brisk walk is good. Do deep breathing exercises. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, curds and soyabean in your daily diet.

I am 21 and have a lot of pimples. Please suggest some tips to make my face smooth. — Faruq

Wash your face with a medicated soap only twice a day, morning and night. Mix sandalwood paste with a little rose water and apply it on the areas with pimples. Once daily, mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of curd and a little haldi and apply it on the face. Wash it off with plenty of water after 20 minutes. This will help soften the skin and relieve the pimple problem.

How can I get an even complexion? I have more facial hair on the sides of my face than on the cheeks, due to which the sides look darker. Also, because of some faded chicken pox scars, my skin seems patchy. — Shilpa

Visit a good beauty salon and ask about waxing the facial hair on the sides. Use a facial scrub once or twice a week, concentrating on the areas with scars.

The rice powder and curd scrub would help. Rub it gently on the skin, especially on the scars, with tiny circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes and wash it off with water. Mix one part of honey with two parts of lemon juice and egg white. Apply it on the entire face daily and wash it off after 20 minutes.

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